Kachang Waterfall is located a few kilometers southwest of Banlung, in Ratanakiri Province, in northeastern Cambodge. Standing 12 meters high, it sits within a landscape of jungle interspersed with rubber, cashew, pepper and coffee plantations, near a lake and villages of the Tompuon minority.

Why visit Kachang Waterfall

Kachang is one of three emblematic waterfalls around Banlung, alongside Cha Ong and Ka Tieng. More accessible than its neighbors, it attracts visitors for its natural swimming pool downstream, its calm waters upstream and the wooden bridge that offers a front-on view of the cascade. It is also frequented by Cambodian families who come to picnic, swim or wash, making it a place of local life as much as a natural site.

The waterfall is set in a region marked by rapid deforestation: Ratanakiri loses part of its forest cover each year to plantations. A visit here thus takes on particular significance, between preserved landscape and recent territorial transformations.

What to see on site

• The wooden bridge: a walkway that gives access to the waterfall and offers a front-on view of the 12-meter cascade.
• The trail to the summit: from the parking area, an alternative path leads to the rear and above the waterfall, with plunging views. It is upstream that you encounter Cambodian families coming to swim or wash.
• The natural pool downstream: it is suitable for swimming, with calm waters when the flow is not too strong.
• The surrounding plantations: just meters from the cascade, you can observe rubber, cashew (cashew nuts), pepper and coffee plants, testament to the agriculture reshaping Ratanakiri.
• The nearby lake: located close by, it easily completes a visit over a half-day.

Practical advice

• Bring swimwear, a towel and grip shoes: the pool edges are slippery.
• Pack water and insect repellent, especially toward evening.
• A phone with offline GPS (maps.me, Google Maps) is more than sufficient for navigating the trails.
• Plan 1 to 2 hours for a visit, longer if you combine it with the nearby lake or another waterfall.
• Site entry involves a modest access fee, payable on arrival.
• Respect local families who use the water upstream: be discreet and favor the downstream pool for swimming.

When to go

The site is accessible year-round, but the dry season, from November to April, remains the most comfortable: the red earth tracks are passable, the pool water is clear and swimming more enjoyable. In early dry season (November-December), water flow remains strong after the monsoon, making the waterfall more spectacular. Conversely, in late dry season (March-April), water levels can drop significantly.

During the rainy season (May to October), tracks become muddy and slippery, and pool waters become cloudy, but the waterfall gains power for those who love dense landscapes.

How to get there

Access to Kachang passes through Banlung, the capital of Ratanakiri. From Phnom Penh, minibuses serve Stung Treng, from where a connection reaches Banlung in approximately 3 hours. Plan a full day of travel from the capital.

From Banlung, the waterfall is about ten kilometers to the southwest. As roads are red earth tracks, a scooter, motorcycle or rented pick-up with driver are the most practical options. Mountain biking is possible for sporty travelers, but the heat and trail conditions make the effort demanding.

What to combine in the region

Several sites are easily visited from Banlung:

• The Cha Ong and Ka Tieng waterfalls, a few kilometers away, to complete the triptych of Ratanakiri's cascades.
• The Yeak Laom volcanic lake, a circular crater with deep waters east of Banlung, a sacred site for Tompuon communities.
• The ethnic minority villages of the region, which offer insight into the lifestyles of indigenous communities in northeastern Cambodge.

To extend your exploration of Cambodian heritage, the temples of the Angkor complex remain a major stop: Angkor Wat, Banteay Srey or Bakong showcase the richness of Khmer art.

Plan your trip

Kachang Waterfall fits into a circuit through northeastern Cambodge, to be paired with Banlung, Yeak Laom Lake and Tompuon villages. To design a tailor-made itinerary incorporating Ratanakiri, explore our journeys to Cambodge.